FAQ's

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What type of auctions does BidSpotter.co.uk host?

The site hosts two types of auctions:

Live webcasts: these are traditional sales conducted by an auctioneer that take place at an auction venue. The live webcast allows the online bidder to participate in the auction in real time. Lots appear on your screen as they are offered in the sale. Your bids are instantly relayed to the auctioneer.

Timed auctions: these are online only auctions. Bids are placed over a defined time period. The highest bidder at the end of the bidding period is successful.

How do I participate in auctions on BidSpotter.co.uk?

If you wish to bid, you need to register.

If you are already a registered user, log in and click through to the Auction sign up page. Confirm your details and agree to the terms and conditions.

Yes, you need to sign up for each Auction. Auctions hosted on BidSpotter.co.uk are run by different Auctioneers and terms and conditions vary. Auctioneers often ask for credit card details to be provided as a condition for bidding. Some auctioneers require a deposit – this will be detailed in the 'Important Sale Information' section on the Auction sign up page.

How do I bid at a live webcast auction?

Bidding during the auction:

When the auction is about to start, the Sign-up button for the auction changes to a Bid button. Clicking this button opens the bidding window. Re-enter your password and you are ready to bid. If there is an audio link, click Listen Live to hear the auctioneer.

When the auction is about to commence, the first lot is displayed. A button appears showing the amount currently being asked. To bid for the lot simply click the Bid button. If you are the successful bidder, the auctioneer will contact you to arrange payment and shipping.

Bidding before the auction: If you cannot be online while the auction is taking place, some auctioneers allow you to place an Autobid from the lot details page. The Autobid is the maximum amount you are willing to pay for the lot. Your bid is executed during the auction. You are bid up to only as much as necessary to make sure that you meet the reserve price or that you remain in the lead. Your bid will not be higher than the amount you enter in your Auto bid.

How do I bid at a timed auction?

Each lot can be bid on for a defined time period. During this period, you can place your bid at any time. If you have the leading bid and you have met or exceeded the reserve price when the defined time period ends, you will have won the bidding for this lot. If a bid is placed in the last 10 minutes of the defined time period, the time period will be extended by 10 minutes. This is to prevent 'sniping'.

Delivery

Delivery options are often included in the ‘Important Information’ section of an auction catalogue, or can be obtained by asking the auctioneer using the ‘Message the auctioneer button’ under each lot. Delivery costs vary depending on the lot, auctioneer and delivery address.

The delivery truck logo appears on lots where this service is available. The cost of delivery can be found below each lot description in the auction catalogue. More information can be obtained by contacting Auction Logistics from Mail Boxes Etc. customer services: